On January 1, 2023, in the Stauropegium of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Ukraine, St. Andrew’s Church in Kyiv, the Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarch, Bishop Michael of Koman, celebrated the Divine Liturgy with the co-service of deacon Ivan Petrushchak.
During the sermon, the bishop drew attention to the active faith that supported the apostles and the righteous of the Old Testament. By faith in the coming Savior, people lived in the past and by faith in the incarnate, dead, and resurrected one they live now, reports the Mission of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Ukraine.
The Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarch noted that on Christmas Eve, the genealogy of Jesus Christ is recited in churches, which included not only Jews.
Bishop Michael of Koman emphasized that it was faith that motivated many not to despair in the most difficult situations, to continue living according to the commandments of God.
The bishop urged the faithful not to despair during the war and to remember that by following God’s commandments with faith, we also believe effectively, bring victory closer, help each other, and live with God, fulfilling His will. God looks at our small daily steps.
